An unceasing, unrelenting and increasingly bustling way of life seems to be both part of Hong Kong’s undoubted charm and something of a blight on the day-to-day existence of many of the city’s residents. While many love its high-octane pace, there are just as many who crave at least temporary sanctuary from the perpetual pressure of dwelling or working in its downtown districts. This subgroup of serenity-seeking homebodies should perhaps set their sights on Tseung Kwan O, a small seaside town within New Territories’ Sai Kung district, an area that just 40 years ago lay submerged below the gently lapping ocean.
While it may seem a lifetime away from its characteristic contemporary calm, not too long ago the entire district was known as Junk Bay, a none-too-subtle reference to the clutter that contaminated the bay and the surrounding landfill sites. All that changed, however, when the government decreed the area should be referred to in less derogatory terms and commenced a mammoth land reclamation project back in the ’80s. In the intervening years, Tseung Kwan O has been transformed from a semi-soggy shard of clawed-back continental shelf to a desirable pet-friendly residential region, abundantly arboreal and just 30 minutes on the MTR from Central.
Now, cranking the level of consumer desirability up a notch or two, two Hong Kong businesses – high-end property developer Wheelock Properties and Primocasa Interiors, designer decorists to the well-off – have co-nurtured the Monterey Villa, a brand-new residential project set at the southernmost tip of Tseung Kwan O. With its avowed mantra: “Breathe in the sea, breathe out the city”, the residence – somewhat predictably – embraces the sea as its primary design spur, while recreating the look and feel of a European-style coastal house, complete with sweeping views out across the seascape and gently undulating uplands in the medium distance.
Upon first entering the 2,000sq.ft villa, it’s the sprawling living space that is most immediately apparent, complete with golden-grey textured walls and nickel-gold metal lines, all artfully adding a dash of languid luxury to the residence. Its opulent oeuvre is further accentuated by the elegantly-positioned furniture, with a striking lake-blue velvet sofa taking centre stage, while a marble coffee table, a mesmerising corner mirror and matching blue velvet dining chairs all prove apt and able supporting artistes. The maritime influence is then made yet more manifest via the grey-blue carpetting and the occasional water paintings.
Taking the spaciousness to the next level is a burgeoning balcony feature that extends well beyond the bounds of the living room. With its artificial grass echoing the exterior greenery, it’s just the perfect nook for nocturnal reflection or for drinking in the rich notes of dawn.
On, then, to the second-storey bedroom level, with the master bedroom again taking its cues very much from the natural world. With sunset the master motif, the generously-proportioned bed is trimmed with premium-quality ochre leather, with the wall-mounted matte lines bestowing on it a beguiling simplicity, one that segues seamlessly into the expansive exterior views occasioned by the floor-to-ceiling windows. In keeping with the untrammelled nature of the space, it is completed by a dark wood, open-style walk-in closet.
The remaining rooms on this level, meanwhile, comprise guest bedrooms and a study, with the oceanic overtones resurgent throughout. This is more than apparent in the grey blue hues of the guest rooms which are intriguingly counterpointed by a selection of uniquely textured wallpapers and nickel-gold metal details. As with the master bedroom, the guest rooms boast engaging – yet disarmingly simple – open wardrobes.
The study, meanwhile, is ubiquitously utilitarian, from its metal-finished bookcases to its mock-makeshift desk and chair arrangement. Indeed, its only tangential touch of the au naturel comes courtesy of its obliquely understated landscape wallpaper.
The villa’s crowning glory, however, is its sumptuous terrace, an artfully-arranged al fresco space boasting chaise longues, a hot tub, a dedicated barbecue area and, of course, breathtaking views. All in all, it seems a thousand miles distant from central Hong Kong, while still only an Octopus card ride away from the city’s ultra-modern amenities.
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Photos: Primocasa Interiors Ltd